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Hanukkah is a minor holiday that commemorates the victory of the Jews against the Syrian-Greeks in the Maccabean War of 165 BCE. It has been celebrated since then, as attested in the Talmud (Shabbat 21b), the book of Maccabees (I, 4:36; and II, 1:18), and Josephus (Antiquities ch.12).
Answer: On Hanukkah the chief celebration is not for the military victory; it's for the miracle of the oil (Talmud, Shabbat 21b). As an augmentation to the celebration of that miracle, we also thank God during Hanukkah for the Hasmoneans' military victory (during which they ousted the Seleucids and their lackeys, the Hellenizing Jews, making possible the rededication of the Temple).
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. The Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah.
When they reached the Temple grounds and prepared to light the oil lamps of the Temple's menorah (Exodus ch.25), they found only one day's supply of unsullied olive oil. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
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What else can I help you with?
What is the future of Hanukkah?
Nobody knows the future of anything, but hopefully Hanukkah will be celebrated as long as there are Jews in the world.
Where is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is celebrated in the home, by Jews around the world.
Where do Jewish kids go for Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is celebrated in the home.
What festival is celebrated on Hanukkah?
Hanukkah (channukkah) is the name of the festival.
What day was Hanukkah celebrated?
Hanukkah was first celebrated in 164 BCE, starting on the 25th of Kislev of that year.See dates of Hanukkah for the next couple of decades on this linked page.See also:More about Hanukkah
Where does Hanukkah be celebrated at?
The 8-day festival of Hanukkah is celebrated in the homes of Jewish people. Sometimes synagogues and Jewish schools also have Hanukkah parties.
What celebrates Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is the holiday. It's celebrated by Jewish people.
When did the United States start celebrating Hanukkah?
The United states has never celebrated Hanukkah. Only the Jewish people living in the United States celebrate Hanukkah. Jews have been living in the United States and celebrating Hanukkah since the 17th Century.
Is Hanukkah celebrated in Greece?
Yes
What religion is Hanukkah part of?
It is part of the Jewish religion (celebrated by Jews)
What temple did the Jews celebrate hanukkah in?
The Temple in Jerusalem, which had been built by Ezra after the Babylonians had destroyed Solomon's Temple. In addition, each family celebrated Hanukkah in their homes (and still do).
How many sundowns are there during Hanukkah..... Is the evening of the last celebrated day considered a Hanukkah sundown?
there are eight. the evening entering into the eighth day is the last celebrated night of hanukkah, while the evening at the end of the eighth day is not part of hanukkah.
